{"id":1364,"date":"2025-09-05T19:19:18","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T23:19:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/?p=1364"},"modified":"2025-09-05T19:19:20","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T23:19:20","slug":"caramel-apple-cookie-bars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/","title":{"rendered":"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Pumpkin seems to be popping up everywhere, but it isn&#8217;t the only thing in season. Apple desserts are another yummy and comforting fall favorite. From pies to muffins and everything in between, there&#8217;s something for every taste. If you&#8217;re in the mood for a unique apple treat, these Caramel Apple Cookie Bars are sure to hit the spot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Pan_of_Caramel_Aple_Cookie_Bars-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars removed from pan with caramel drizzle on top. \" class=\"wp-image-1368\" style=\"width:723px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Pan_of_Caramel_Aple_Cookie_Bars-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Pan_of_Caramel_Aple_Cookie_Bars-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Pan_of_Caramel_Aple_Cookie_Bars-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Pan_of_Caramel_Aple_Cookie_Bars-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Pan_of_Caramel_Aple_Cookie_Bars-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Pan_of_Caramel_Aple_Cookie_Bars-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Pan_of_Caramel_Aple_Cookie_Bars-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Pan_of_Caramel_Aple_Cookie_Bars-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The caramel apple cookie bar is made from a sweetened dough base, but the spiced cinnamon apples are the real star.  The apples complement this bar so well, plus they&#8217;re easy to make. Most of the ingredients are kitchen staples, so you likely already have most of them ready to go. Who doesn&#8217;t love a recipe that doesn&#8217;t require a lengthy shopping trip!?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7159-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1380\" style=\"width:729px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7159-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7159-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7159-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7159-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7159-2048x1535.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7159-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7159-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7159-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br>Making the Caramel Sauce<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;ve never made homemade caramel sauce, it can feel daunting. Caramel sauce is temperamental and requires close attention to detail. You definitely don&#8217;t want <em>any<\/em> distractions while making the sauce. To make the sauce: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Place 1\/2 cup of sugar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir the sugar constantly until it turns into clumps and then melts into a thick, amber liquid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce the heat to low and add the butter, stirring quickly but carefully until it is melted and incorporated. Bubbling is normal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Return the heat to medium and slowly pour in the 1\/4 cup of heavy whipping cream. The mixture will steam and bubble rapidly. Stir until the heavy whipping cream is thoroughly mixed in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let the caramel sauce boil for one minute before removing from the heat and setting aside until it cools slightly.   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You want the sauce to be thin enough to drizzle but cool enough to thicken slightly. If you let it become too thick, you can always thin it again by reheating in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second increments and stirring until it is the desired consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"886\" data-id=\"1377\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7137-1-1024x886.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1377\" srcset=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7137-1-1024x886.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7137-1-300x259.jpg 300w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7137-1-768x664.jpg 768w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7137-1-1536x1328.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7137-1-2048x1771.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7137-1-1080x934.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7137-1-600x519.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"867\" data-id=\"1376\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7138-1-1024x867.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7138-1-1024x867.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7138-1-300x254.jpg 300w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7138-1-768x651.jpg 768w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7138-1-1536x1301.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7138-1-2048x1735.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7138-1-1080x915.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7138-1-600x508.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"849\" data-id=\"1374\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7139-1-1024x849.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7139-1-1024x849.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7139-1-300x249.jpg 300w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7139-1-768x637.jpg 768w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7139-1-1536x1274.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7139-1-2048x1698.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7139-1-1080x896.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7139-1-600x498.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"886\" data-id=\"1378\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7140-1-1024x886.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1378\" srcset=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7140-1-1024x886.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7140-1-300x259.jpg 300w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7140-1-768x664.jpg 768w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7140-1-1536x1328.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7140-1-2048x1771.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7140-1-1080x934.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-7140-1-600x519.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1022\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1375\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/unnamed-1-1022x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/unnamed-1-1022x1024.jpg 1022w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/unnamed-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/unnamed-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/unnamed-1-768x769.jpg 768w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/unnamed-1-1533x1536.jpg 1533w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/unnamed-1-2044x2048.jpg 2044w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/unnamed-1-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/unnamed-1-1080x1082.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/unnamed-1-600x601.jpg 600w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/unnamed-1-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1022px) 100vw, 1022px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br>FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can I use any apple variety?<\/strong> Yes. I prefer Granny Smith apples for apple desserts. I feel like the tartness with the sugar in the recipe pairs really well. However, if you prefer a sweeter apple, any type can be substituted.<br><br><strong>What if I burn my caramel<\/strong> <strong>sauce<\/strong>? You&#8217;ll have to start over. Seriously. Once your caramel is burnt, it is unsalvageable. While homemade caramel sauce can be tricky and temperamental, keeping a close eye on it reduces the likelihood of things going wrong. Plus, the result is so worth it! Nothing beats homemade caramel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How do I know if my caramel sauce is burnt? <\/strong>A strong, bitter smell, dark or black liquid, or excessive smoking are all signs that your caramel sauce has burnt. Burning can happen in a matter of seconds, so it&#8217;s important to monitor your sauce and start adding the butter and heavy whipping cream as soon as the sugar has melted and turned an amber color. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can I freeze my caramel apple cookie bars?<\/strong> Yes! Simply wrap them in Saran Wrap and put them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cooke_Bars_Lined_Up-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars lined up on cooling wrack with teal towel underneath. \" class=\"wp-image-1369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cooke_Bars_Lined_Up-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cooke_Bars_Lined_Up-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cooke_Bars_Lined_Up-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cooke_Bars_Lined_Up-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cooke_Bars_Lined_Up-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cooke_Bars_Lined_Up-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cooke_Bars_Lined_Up-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\t<div id=\"recipe\"><\/div>\r\n\t<div class=\"sp-recipe\" id=\"printthis\">\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t<div class=\"recipe-overview\">\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"recipe-image\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cookie_Bar_Feature-scaled.jpg\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" onclick=\"jQuery('#printthis').print()\" class=\"sp-print\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-print\"><\/i> Print Recipe<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"recipe-header\">\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"recipe-title-header\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Caramel Apple Cookie Bars<\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"post-ratings-1364\" class=\"post-ratings\" data-nonce=\"4c2bba7cf9\"><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"rating_1364_1\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-postratings\/images\/stars\/rating_on.gif\" alt=\"1 Star\" title=\"1 Star\" onmouseover=\"current_rating(1364, 1, '1 Star');\" onmouseout=\"ratings_off(5, 0, 0);\" onclick=\"rate_post();\" onkeypress=\"rate_post();\" style=\"cursor: pointer; border: 0px;\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"rating_1364_2\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-postratings\/images\/stars\/rating_on.gif\" alt=\"2 Stars\" title=\"2 Stars\" onmouseover=\"current_rating(1364, 2, '2 Stars');\" onmouseout=\"ratings_off(5, 0, 0);\" onclick=\"rate_post();\" onkeypress=\"rate_post();\" style=\"cursor: pointer; border: 0px;\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"rating_1364_3\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-postratings\/images\/stars\/rating_on.gif\" alt=\"3 Stars\" title=\"3 Stars\" onmouseover=\"current_rating(1364, 3, '3 Stars');\" onmouseout=\"ratings_off(5, 0, 0);\" onclick=\"rate_post();\" onkeypress=\"rate_post();\" style=\"cursor: pointer; border: 0px;\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"rating_1364_4\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-postratings\/images\/stars\/rating_on.gif\" alt=\"4 Stars\" title=\"4 Stars\" onmouseover=\"current_rating(1364, 4, '4 Stars');\" onmouseout=\"ratings_off(5, 0, 0);\" onclick=\"rate_post();\" onkeypress=\"rate_post();\" style=\"cursor: pointer; border: 0px;\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"rating_1364_5\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-postratings\/images\/stars\/rating_on.gif\" alt=\"5 Stars\" title=\"5 Stars\" onmouseover=\"current_rating(1364, 5, '5 Stars');\" onmouseout=\"ratings_off(5, 0, 0);\" onclick=\"rate_post();\" onkeypress=\"rate_post();\" style=\"cursor: pointer; border: 0px;\" \/> (<strong>1<\/strong> votes, average: <strong>5.00<\/strong> out of 5)<br \/><span class=\"post-ratings-text\" id=\"ratings_1364_text\"><\/span><\/div><div id=\"post-ratings-1364-loading\" class=\"post-ratings-loading\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-postratings\/images\/loading.gif\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" class=\"post-ratings-image\" \/>Loading...<\/div>\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"recipe-meta\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"meta-row\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-folder\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"recipe-meta-item\">Dessert<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"meta-row\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-user\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"recipe-meta-item\">Serves: 24<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"meta-row\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"far fa-clock\"><\/i> \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"recipe-meta-item\">Prep Time: 20<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"separator\">&#8211;<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"recipe-meta-item\">Cooking Time: 27<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"separator\">&#8211;<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"recipe-meta-item\">Total Time: 47<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sep-line\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"recipe-description\"><p>Ring in fall with this scrumptious Caramel Apple Cookie Bar. Packed with tart apples and spiced to perfection, these bars give off warm, cozy vibes just in time for autumn. <\/p><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"recipe-ingredients\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"recipe-title\">Ingredients<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<ul>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span style=\"font-weight:700; font-size:16px;\">Base<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>1 Granny Smith apple (or another variety), peeled, cored, and cut into 1\/4-inch chunks<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>1 tsp corn starch<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>1\/4 tsp apple pie spice<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>1\/4 tsp ground cinnamon<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>1 1\/2 sticks butter, melted<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>1 cup light brown sugar<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>1\/2 cup granulated sugar<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>1 large egg<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>1 tsp vanilla extract<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>2 1\/4 cup flour<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>1\/2 tsp salt<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>1\/2 tsp baking soda<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span style=\"font-weight:700; font-size:16px;\">Caramel Sauce<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>1\/2 cup granulated sugar<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>3 tbsp butter<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>1\/2 tsp vanilla extract<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><span>1\/4 cup heavy whipping cream<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"recipe-method\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"recipe-title\">Instructions<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"font-weight:700; font-size:16px;\">BASE<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"step-number\">1<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Preheat oven to 325\u00b0 F. Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"step-number\">2<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In a small bowl, add the apple chunks, cornstarch, apple spice, and cinnamon. Toss lightly until the apples are coated.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"step-number\">3<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In a larger bowl, add the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until well incorporated. <\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"step-number\">4<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Stir in the salt and baking soda, then slowly add the flower. The mixture will get pretty thick, so keep stirring until everything is mixed together well.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"step-number\">5<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Scoop the dough into the prepared pan, pressing it throughout the pan into an even layer<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"step-number\">6<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Bake for 27-30 minutes or until a light golden color and a toothpick comes out clean<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"font-weight:700; font-size:16px;\">CARAMEL SAUCE<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"step-number\">7<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>While the bars are baking, prepare the caramel sauce by placing 1\/2 cup of sugar in a small saucepan. Turn stovetop to a medium heat. Stir the sugar continuously until it starts to clump and eventually melt into a liquid. The color should be amber. ( This process took about eight minutes, but the time can vary depending on heat, pan, and stove. Make sure you keep close eye on. )<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"step-number\">8<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Reduce the heat to low and add the butter, stirring carefully until completely melted. Bubbling and some splatter is normal, so be careful not to burn yourself. <\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"step-number\">9<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Slowly add the vanilla and heavy whipping cream, stirring until it is incorporated into the sauce. Sizzling, bubbling, and steam are all normal. <\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"step-number\">10<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Once the heavy whipping cream is stirred in, return the heat to medium and let the mixture boil for 1 minute.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"step-number\">11<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Remove from heat and let sit to cool and thicken just slightly.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"font-weight:700; font-size:16px;\">FINAL STEP<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"step-number\">12<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Once the bars are out of the oven and have cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the caramel rapidly over the top of the bars using a spoon. If the sauce has thickened too much, heat it back up in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second increments. It just needs to be thin enough to fall off of the spoon into a drizzle pattern. <\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"step-number\">13<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Cut into 24 even squares once bars are completely cooled.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"step-number\">14<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"step-content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>OPTIONAL: Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top of the caramel for delicious a salted caramel finishing touch.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"recipe-notes\">\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"recipe-title\">Notes<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<p>The caramel sauce recipe makes a lot. You will likely have leftovers unless you choose to coat the entire top of the bars with sauce. Leftover caramel sauce can be warmed and used as an apple dip or ice cream topping. <\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n\t\t\t{\r\n\t\t\t  \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n\t\t\t  \"@type\": \"Recipe\",\r\n\t\t\t  \"url\": \"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/\",\r\n\t\t\t  \"author\": {\r\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Thing\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"\"\r\n\t\t\t  },\r\n\t\t\t  \"datePublished\": \"September 5, 2025\",\r\n\t\t\t  \"cookTime\": \"P\",\r\n\t\t\t  \t\t\t  \"description\": \"Ring in fall with this scrumptious Caramel Apple Cookie Bar. Packed with tart apples and spiced to perfection, these bars give off warm, cozy vibes just in time for autumn. \",\r\n\t\t\t  \"image\": \"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cookie_Bar_Feature-scaled.jpg\",\r\n\t\t\t  \"recipeIngredient\": [\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"***Base\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"1 Granny Smith apple (or another variety), peeled, cored, and cut into 1\/4-inch chunks\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"1 tsp corn starch\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"1\/4 tsp apple pie spice\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"1\/4 tsp ground cinnamon\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"1 1\/2 sticks butter, melted\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"1 cup light brown sugar\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"1\/2 cup granulated sugar\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"1 large egg\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"1 tsp vanilla extract\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"2 1\/4 cup flour\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"1\/2 tsp salt\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"1\/2 tsp baking soda\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"***Caramel Sauce\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"1\/2 cup granulated sugar\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"3 tbsp butter\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"1\/2 tsp vanilla extract\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\"1\/4 cup heavy whipping cream\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  ],\r\n\t\t\t  \"name\": \"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars\",\r\n\t\t\t  \"nutrition\": {\r\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"NutritionInformation\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"calories\": \"\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"carbohydrateContent\": \"\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"cholesterolContent\": \"\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"fatContent\": \"\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"fiberContent\": \"\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"proteinContent\": \"\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"saturatedFatContent\": \"\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"sodiumContent\": \"\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"sugarContent\": \"\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"transFatContent\": \"\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"unsaturatedFatContent\": \"\"\r\n\t\t\t  },\r\n\t\t\t  \"prepTime\": \"P\",\r\n\t\t\t  \"totalTime\": \"P\",\r\n\t\t\t  \"recipeCategory\":\"Dessert\",\r\n\t\t\t  \"recipeCuisine\":\"\",\r\n\t\t\t  \"keywords\": \"cookies, bars, dessert, apple, caramel\",\t\t\t  \r\n\t\t\t  \"recipeInstructions\": [\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"***BASE\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Preheat oven to 325\u00b0 F. Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"In a small bowl, add the apple chunks, cornstarch, apple spice, and cinnamon. Toss lightly until the apples are coated.\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"In a larger bowl, add the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until well incorporated. \",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Stir in the salt and baking soda, then slowly add the flower. The mixture will get pretty thick, so keep stirring until everything is mixed together well.\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Scoop the dough into the prepared pan, pressing it throughout the pan into an even layer\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Bake for 27-30 minutes or until a light golden color and a toothpick comes out clean\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"***CARAMEL SAUCE\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"While the bars are baking, prepare the caramel sauce by placing 1\/2 cup of sugar in a small saucepan. Turn stovetop to a medium heat. Stir the sugar continuously until it starts to clump and eventually melt into a liquid. The color should be amber. ( This process took about eight minutes, but the time can vary depending on heat, pan, and stove. Make sure you keep close eye on. )\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Reduce the heat to low and add the butter, stirring carefully until completely melted. Bubbling and some splatter is normal, so be careful not to burn yourself. \",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Slowly add the vanilla and heavy whipping cream, stirring until it is incorporated into the sauce. Sizzling, bubbling, and steam are all normal. \",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Once the heavy whipping cream is stirred in, return the heat to medium and let the mixture boil for 1 minute.\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Remove from heat and let sit to cool and thicken just slightly.\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"***FINAL STEP\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Once the bars are out of the oven and have cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the caramel rapidly over the top of the bars using a spoon. If the sauce has thickened too much, heat it back up in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second increments. It just needs to be thin enough to fall off of the spoon into a drizzle pattern. \",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Cut into 24 even squares once bars are completely cooled.\",\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"OPTIONAL: Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top of the caramel for delicious a salted caramel finishing touch.\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  ],\r\n\t\t\t  \t\t\t  \"recipeYield\": \"24\",\t\t\t  \t\t\t  \"aggregateRating\": {\r\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"AggregateRating\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"bestRating\": \"5\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"ratingValue\": \"5\",\r\n\t\t\t\t\"ratingCount\": \"1\"\r\n\t\t\t  }\r\n\t\t\t  \t\t\t}\r\n\t\t<\/script>\r\n\t\t\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pumpkin seems to be popping up everywhere, but it isn&#8217;t the only thing in season. Apple desserts are another yummy and comforting fall favorite. From pies to muffins and everything in between, there&#8217;s something for every taste. If you&#8217;re in the mood for a unique apple treat, these Caramel Apple Cookie Bars are sure to hit the spot. The caramel apple cookie bar is made from a sweetened dough base, but the spiced cinnamon apples are the real star. The apples complement this bar so well, plus they&#8217;re easy to make. Most of the ingredients are kitchen staples, so you likely already have most of them ready to go. Who doesn&#8217;t love a recipe that doesn&#8217;t require a lengthy shopping trip!?! Making the Caramel Sauce If you&#8217;ve never made homemade caramel sauce, it can feel daunting. Caramel sauce is temperamental and requires close attention to detail. You definitely don&#8217;t want any distractions while making the sauce. To make the sauce:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1366,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[136,137,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1364","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-brownies-and-bars","category-cookies","category-recipes"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Caramel Apple Cookie Bars - Life Run Sweet<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ring in fall with Caramel Apple Cookie Bars. Packed with tart apples and spiced to perfection, they give cozy vibes just in time for autumn.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars - Life Run Sweet\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Ring in fall with Caramel Apple Cookie Bars. Packed with tart apples and spiced to perfection, they give cozy vibes just in time for autumn.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Life Run Sweet\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-09-05T23:19:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-05T23:19:20+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cookie_Bar_Feature-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2108\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Ashley Kosky\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Ashley Kosky\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/recipes\\\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/recipes\\\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Ashley Kosky\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/30ed3eec352006a2c627e33162cf09cf\"},\"headline\":\"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-05T23:19:18+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-05T23:19:20+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/recipes\\\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":510,\"commentCount\":11,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/recipes\\\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Caramel_Apple_Cookie_Bar_Feature-scaled.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Brownies and Bars\",\"Cookies\",\"Recipes\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/recipes\\\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/recipes\\\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/recipes\\\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\\\/\",\"name\":\"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars - Life Run Sweet\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/recipes\\\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/recipes\\\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Caramel_Apple_Cookie_Bar_Feature-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-05T23:19:18+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-05T23:19:20+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/30ed3eec352006a2c627e33162cf09cf\"},\"description\":\"Ring in fall with Caramel Apple Cookie Bars. Packed with tart apples and spiced to perfection, they give cozy vibes just in time for autumn.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/recipes\\\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/recipes\\\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/recipes\\\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Caramel_Apple_Cookie_Bar_Feature-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Caramel_Apple_Cookie_Bar_Feature-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2108,\"height\":2560,\"caption\":\"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars with Granny Smith apple slices on a wood cutting board.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/recipes\\\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Life Run Sweet\",\"description\":\"Life, Running, and Desserts\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/30ed3eec352006a2c627e33162cf09cf\",\"name\":\"Ashley Kosky\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/5e0701cd184fb46613fb7202d4a491945a82aa8bfc724896eeea64d6122f43ca?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/5e0701cd184fb46613fb7202d4a491945a82aa8bfc724896eeea64d6122f43ca?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/5e0701cd184fb46613fb7202d4a491945a82aa8bfc724896eeea64d6122f43ca?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Ashley Kosky\"},\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/liferunsweet.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/ashley\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars - Life Run Sweet","description":"Ring in fall with Caramel Apple Cookie Bars. Packed with tart apples and spiced to perfection, they give cozy vibes just in time for autumn.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars - Life Run Sweet","og_description":"Ring in fall with Caramel Apple Cookie Bars. Packed with tart apples and spiced to perfection, they give cozy vibes just in time for autumn.","og_url":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/","og_site_name":"Life Run Sweet","article_published_time":"2025-09-05T23:19:18+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-09-05T23:19:20+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2108,"height":2560,"url":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cookie_Bar_Feature-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Ashley Kosky","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Ashley Kosky","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/"},"author":{"name":"Ashley Kosky","@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/30ed3eec352006a2c627e33162cf09cf"},"headline":"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars","datePublished":"2025-09-05T23:19:18+00:00","dateModified":"2025-09-05T23:19:20+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/"},"wordCount":510,"commentCount":11,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cookie_Bar_Feature-scaled.jpg","articleSection":["Brownies and Bars","Cookies","Recipes"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/","url":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/","name":"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars - Life Run Sweet","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cookie_Bar_Feature-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2025-09-05T23:19:18+00:00","dateModified":"2025-09-05T23:19:20+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/30ed3eec352006a2c627e33162cf09cf"},"description":"Ring in fall with Caramel Apple Cookie Bars. Packed with tart apples and spiced to perfection, they give cozy vibes just in time for autumn.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cookie_Bar_Feature-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cookie_Bar_Feature-scaled.jpg","width":2108,"height":2560,"caption":"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars with Granny Smith apple slices on a wood cutting board."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/recipes\/caramel-apple-cookie-bars\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Caramel Apple Cookie Bars"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/","name":"Life Run Sweet","description":"Life, Running, and Desserts","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/30ed3eec352006a2c627e33162cf09cf","name":"Ashley Kosky","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5e0701cd184fb46613fb7202d4a491945a82aa8bfc724896eeea64d6122f43ca?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5e0701cd184fb46613fb7202d4a491945a82aa8bfc724896eeea64d6122f43ca?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5e0701cd184fb46613fb7202d4a491945a82aa8bfc724896eeea64d6122f43ca?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Ashley Kosky"},"sameAs":["http:\/\/liferunsweet.com"],"url":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/author\/ashley\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Caramel_Apple_Cookie_Bar_Feature-scaled.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1364","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1364"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1364\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1384,"href":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1364\/revisions\/1384"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1364"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1364"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liferunsweet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}